A Stronger Aids Czar

July 20, 1994

President Clinton should appoint an outspoken advocate as national AIDS czar to succeed Kristine M. Gebbie, who resigned recently amid criticism she had been ineffective.

Such a person would give the AIDS job the high profile it needs. AIDS policy flounder- ed under Ms. Gebbie, a former Washington state health commissioner. She should not get all the blame, however. Her post was never clearly defined.

A few stark facts show why this epidemic must become a higher priority: The cumulative number of AIDS cases diagnosed since 1981 has soared past 400,000. About half the victims have died. AIDS is invariably fatal; it is preventable; and tens of thousands of Americans are being infected each year.

Under President Clinton, the budget for care and research has been increased substantially. He deserves credit for that. But more money for care will be needed as the epidemic wears on.

Now Mr. Clinton should take this opportunity to appoint a visible AIDS czar who can be an effective advocate and coordinate policy on research, treatment, education and prevention with full White House backing.